Zaino Car Care Experiences

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Comments

  • theresa11theresa11 Member Posts: 58
    Yes, finally! I had to be restrain myself not to put the Z1 and Z2 layers on too thick. Without really being able to see it on my white car, I definitely was tempted to add more. Where I had a really difficult time was removing the water spots after giving it the Dawn wash. I applied 2 coats of Z2-allowing 24 hrs.in between coats. The car looks great and was so easy to do. Being slight, I wasn't sure that it would be as easy and as simple to apply and remove as everyone said. It was and if the shine and protection lasts as long as it is supposed to, I will be a lifelong user. It is a great product for women who want to take care of their cars while not having the expertise, muscle or time. As a sidenote, I took an extended trip on the interstate and when I returned home, the bugs and love bugs came right off the car! I used a little spray of Z7/water, then wiped them right off!

    Thanks for asking fastdriver and thanks for all of your comments and suggestions.

    theresa11
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    theresa11-

    Glad that everything worked out and that you now know that we were not exaggerating about its ease of use or the final results. I can only imagine how hard it is to see where its been applied on white! I can just about see it on my Candy Apple Red. There were times when I put it in the garage and then realized that there was a whole section that I forgot to wipe off! That's because the shine comes through even when the polish is on!

    Wait until you have a few more coats of Z-2/Z-6 on and see how clean the car looks after a heavy rain. I assume that you live in FL if you have luv bugs. That's the only place I ever heard of them. I got caught on the FL TPK once during their season and couldn't believe it. I thought I was in an Alfred Hitchcock movie! LOL....

    Keep us informed as to how things are working out. Thanks.

    fastdriver
  • martini4memartini4me Member Posts: 13
    Hi...have been using the Zaino products...very impressed so far. Easy to use (once I learned to put on an extremly thin coat of Z2). The one thing that I am having trouble with is that the Z6 seems to actually attract dust, even though it's promoted as a dust repellant. I've even tried to spray a little Static Guard on the cotton towel that I use for Z6 and by the next morning..car is covered in dust. Anyone else have this experience? Next time I'll try without it. Also, does anyone know what national auto parts stores carry The Absorber for drying? Thanks!
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Z6 attracking dust? Let's restart...NEVER spray any static guard on the towels you use to wipe Z6. Go and wash said towels in Tide right now!

    Also, please remember to apply Z6 to a clean surface. In other words, please dust or wash before using the Z6. Wipe quickly and fast. And allow it to then dry. Works for me. And I drive in many a dusty road. Of course, I still collect some dust, but its very easy to remove. Please let us know how this work out.
  • martini4memartini4me Member Posts: 13
    I follow all of your "rules" listed, only tried the Static Guard (after it dried) as a last resort. I had read some postings in the past of some people who said Z6 made the dust worse. Once it rains, it's gone, but makes me sick that it's so dirty 12 hours after washing. I really think it's a static issue...will just forgo the Z6 for now. Thanks.
  • joe166joe166 Member Posts: 401
    I must say that the only time I felt the Z-6 "attracted" dust was when I put too much on and as a result didn't wipe it off completely. Then it was like any other time you have something "sticky" on the surface of the car, any dust flying by stuck to it. I'm not sure Z6 repels dust, but it certainly didn't attract it in my opinion.
  • retractretract Member Posts: 13
    About 3.5 months ago I Z1/Z2'ed my black 2K Suburban. I have washed it 9 or ten times with Z7 and once I applied Z6. I still looks great but the water is not beading quite as high as before.

    Now what should I do? Just another coat of Z2? or a cleaning with Z1 and and a coat of Z2? Maybe 2 coats of Z2? It is starting to get cool and it is not nearly the job it was in July.

    Thanks
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    retract - After 3.5 months the beading power is reduced a little, but not gone as with waxes. Since it goes so fast, a Z2/Z6 will bring your finish back to peak performance!
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,196
    automophile's advice is right on.

    No need to Z1 again (unless you have a burning desire to do so). If you want, you can Z1/Z2 again for the winter. Or, just apply another coat of Z2 alone.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tag_cummingstag_cummings Member Posts: 4
    My new black Saab was "prepped" by my dealer with a nice orbital buffer, so I have swirl marks noticable in direct sunlight. Because Zaino is non-abrasive, I'm guessing that it fills small scratches and doesn't eliminate them. Is that correct? If so, can anyone recommend a method of removing the scratches instead of filling them?

    Thanks!
    Tag
  • retiredjeffretiredjeff Member Posts: 33
    I noticed today that I have some very slight scratches on my new E320 -- only used Z-1, Z-2, Z-6 and Z-7 on it from the get go. I suspect the scratches are coming from the Absorber (fake chamois) that I use to dry the car after washing. I'll put a coat of Z-5 on next, but for those that use an Absorber-like thing, how often do you wash it and how do you wash it?

    Thanks,
    Jeff
  • mazda1mike2mazda1mike2 Member Posts: 11
    Is the "Absorber" chamois, a safe product? How about the real deal, a natural chamois?

    Michael
  • joe166joe166 Member Posts: 401
    I don't know of any danger from using either method of drying your car assuming you keep them clean and that the car itself is clean when you try to dry it. Frankly, they both work fine, but neither works as well as a good quality 100% cotton (made in USA-other countries are not as strict in labeling laws) towel. If you are dead set on using either a synthetic or genuine chamois, the difference is that the synthetic is easier to use after it has been sitting in the trunk or your garage a while since it doesn't dry out and get hard as a rock while most chamois do. It takes a while to wet it until it gets soft and then wring it out to get it as dry as it needs to be in order to dry your car. Besides the genuine chamois is MUCH more costly then the absorber or other fake chamois.
  • mazda1mike2mazda1mike2 Member Posts: 11
    Thank you!
  • pinecrestjimpinecrestjim Member Posts: 64
    I've been using the Absorber for almost a year now, and prefer it to a natural chamois. The latter, as Joe166 notes, has it's annoyances. I've yet to wash mine - it hasn't gotten dirty yet and I make VERY sure it doesn't hit the ground or unwashed areas.

    Our boat captain has been using a marine cousin of the Absorber on a 3MM+ yacht for several years w/o problems. He did give me a great tip - keep the Absorber in it's container, moist, in the fridge. It will last forever stored this way.

    If you are storing any applicator pads, towels, Absorber, etc. in your garage, be sure that they cannot pick up any grit. You'd be suprised what can fall off an opening garage door, your roof (if an unfinished garage), or simply get airborne from your workbench! If you have to remove the vehicle to do any work, be sure to cover your care products.

    Jim M.
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    tag cummings: I'd recommend using Zaino's Z-5. Its almost like Z-2 but will fill in some of those minor 'swirl' marks. You may have to use a few coats. Then go back to Z2 (And Z-6 too).
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    After following your posts, and recommendation from the Subaru Owners site, I have ordered the Z products and plan to do the car this weekend. I have a quick, dumb question for all:

    The process is Dawn, Clay, Dawn (or Z7), Z1, Z5,Z6. Are you supposed to dry the car between dawn, clay, dawn? Also, when washing the 100% cotton towels do you use bleach to clean them?
    Thanks for the help.
    Mark
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Amend that process to: Dawn, Clay, wash (Dawn is ok), Dry car cafefully (cotton towels) to remove any water marks, etc. Once the car is very clean (prepped), then you can start with the Zaino products.

    And that order should be: Z-1, Z-5 (or Z-2), Dry (overnight is ok), Remove residue (qently wipe with cotton towels), Then apply Z-6.

    When washing those towels, do NOT use any bleach! Just plain Tide will do fine.
  • daverosedaverose Member Posts: 233
    One thing you have to be aware of using the Absorber, a chamois, or even a towel to dry your vehicle. You do NOT WIPE the vehicle's surface with any of these; any grit that gets caught between the surface and the drying medium could scratch your paint because you are bearing down on the surface, though you reduce that possibility if you're using a towel because the grit will tend to be picked up by the towel loops and moved away from the paint. The correct technique is to grab the drier by its corners and drag it across the surface letting gravity and the water being picked up pull the material against the surface. You must still watch for grit falling onto the surface with any of these materials and remove it, though, again, the loops of a towel will tend to pull the grit into the towel. Even with a towel, you should still constantly look for grit and remove it from the car's surface or from the material right away. Any surface you cannot drag the material across, dab at right angles to that surface without swiping.
  • retiredjeffretiredjeff Member Posts: 33
    Thanks all for the comments, I think I'll change the way I use it and try Dave's method of dragging instead of a rubbing.

    Jeff
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    bat1161-

    To follow up on pblevine's advice- make that LIQUID TIDE only.

    fastdriver
  • gladicheckedgladichecked Member Posts: 93
    with a natural chamois and it works great. If your car is beading well it is a quick process.
  • gladicheckedgladichecked Member Posts: 93
    sorry...I couldn't resist. ;^)
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    gladichecked-

    I guess to a newcomer it seems like we're all NUTS or fanatics, but if we're not clear on what to do or how to do it, the results will not be as expected. i.e. if someone uses granular detergent and it doesn't dissolve completely in the wash and remains on the towels, you can imagine the results when they go to wipe their cars.

    We've been laughed at before, but it doesn't bother us in the least because we KNOW we have the shiniest cars around. What exactly is "dye free liquid tide"? LOL....

    fastdriver
  • lexsarlexsar Member Posts: 14
    I use a chamois. I tried 100% cotton towels, washed in Tide, no bleach or fabric softener but I didn't like them. They didn't seem to absorb all that well so I went back to the chamois. Works better for me.
  • mrmusicmrmusic Member Posts: 15
    Usually clear in color...sometimes says no perfumes or dyes. Since my cat likes perfume...I use a sweet smelling fabric softener for her jollies!

    As far as a chamois goes, after washing I drive around the block once, then blot my Acura with a chamois!
  • gladicheckedgladichecked Member Posts: 93
    Just kidding with you...lol. I have been following this thread and waiting for my supply of the "other stuff" to run out. It does an adequate job, but with all the stuff out there attacking my clear coat finish, I am looking for something as close to a clear "armor" as I can find.

    Sometimes it sounds like ya'll get carried away, but if you love your car as much as I love mine it is completely understandable. I switched to liquid detergent long ago. I got tired of powder stains on my jeans. Dye free Tide is just that. It is clear instead of having blue or green dye in it like most detergents, and also has no perfumes added. It's for people who are sensitive to these substances. I use it sometimes in the spring when my allergies are in full bloom.

    Bryan
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    gladichecked-

    I know you were kidding. I guess it does sound funny if you just found this site and see some of the discussions here especially if you've been to the OTHER wax/polish topic where they just slap on the NuFinish and off they go! Good luck to them. I know that in the long run, my car will look better with less effort then theirs. To each his own.

    As for the discussion about chamois, absorber and towels to wipe off the car- I take a quick spin around the block to get most of the water off the car. When I get back home, it takes about 3 minutes to wipe off what little is left. No more sopping wet towels. The towel is barely damp by the time I finish wiping off the car. Maybe it's because I've been using Zaino for about 2 years now and have so many coats of Z-2, Z-5 and Z-6 on that nothing sticks to my finish anymore. If you've seen my pics, my car looks great dirty or clean. I love that wet look.

    fastdriver
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    I've tried your method of running around the block to dry the car. It depends on where you are. 'Cause where I was, the dust in the air attached itself to the wet surface. 'Had to wash again. I now use a chamois to remove 95% of the water and a cotton towel to finish the job. I little more work, but worth it.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,196
    I've used the absorber for a couple of years...no problems.

    As everyone else has mentioned, just make sure it's clean. Wring out often and wash after every use with tide and water. Wring it out again and put it back into it's "tube" and you're good to go next time you wash/dry.

    Also remember to wash your car with 100% cotton towel or mit. I've heard that labs wool mits are pretty good for washing, too.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • gary_berggary_berg Member Posts: 28
    I used one of those lambs wool mitts for washing my car a couple of weeks ago. It worked really well, much better than using a sponge. I got a more thorough wash, and it was easier too than using a sponge.
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    First of all I don't think you folks are nuts, just extra careful. That quality and dedication to the Zaino product is what made me order the stuff. This is for my first new car, and I want to keep it looking that way. The only one who thinks this is nuts is my wife, but she thinks I am nuts concerning the car to begin with. This will add one more thing to convince her I am crazy(special towels and detergent just to wash a car!).
    By the way I was showing the Zaino products to my nephew, who said his friend gave him the same stuff last year to use on his new truck. He never used it, but his friend swore by it. I told him I am going to do my car this weekend so that he could see how it comes out. Maybe I can convince him to start using it.
    Again, many thanks to all who post at this site. If it wasn't for you folks, I would never have known about Zaino. I'll let you know how it comes out.
    Mark
  • jeffxljeffxl Member Posts: 4
    I've read over 700 posts on this board but have not really found an answer for a "claying" question I have. Both my Jeep and Toyota have white residue from the crummy paste waxes that I used to use. Do you have to remove this residue before claying the finish? Or will the clay pull this out along with the contaminants in the paint?
  • fastdriverfastdriver Member Posts: 2,273
    jeffxl-

    First, wash with the DAWN to remove any previous wax and then clay. This should do the trick. Don't forget to put down a blanket or some other ground covering in case the clay slips out of your hands and drops on the ground.

    fastdriver
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    bat1161: Thanks. And by the way, my wife KNOWS I'm nuts. Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.

    jeffxl: Please follow fastdriver's directions. The first time I used clay, I dropped it and guess what. Useless clay. I found that a simple (large) trash bag does the trick for me now. Also, if some of the residue is still present around those hard to get to spots, try gently rubbing it out using a tooth pick. Even after Dawn and Claying, I had some old wax residue at the edge of my "Honda" logo. 'Couldn't get in there easily. The tooth pick trick, however, worked quickly and well.
  • jeffxljeffxl Member Posts: 4
    I'll be claying this weekend.

    Now a towel question; I was out looking at the 100% "Made in USA" White towels the other night and noticed that everyone of them had a band towards each end. Appeared to be the same material that the edge was made from. Do you have to fold the towel to keep this off of the paint too?

    I've never really been one to get too excited about taking care of my cars. Mostly because of a great deal of work to wax and only achieving marginal results. But after reading all the Zaino posts and great tips I may be heading for "car care" rehab. I just received my box of Zaino products today. I'll post back and let you know how it goes.
  • kewldudekewldude Member Posts: 20
    I'm not one to mince words or to hold back from telling it as I see it. I don't mean to offend anyone here in this conference. I know you are all "pumped" about Zaino. I received my Zaino shipment a couple of weeks ago. I washed my car with blue dawn, clayed it, washed it again, put on Z1, let it completely dry, put on Z2. Followed the instructions and advice in this topic to a T. It worked well but in all honesty I don't see any improvement in the shine compared to some store bought brands I've used. I think the only thing that made a difference was the clay. I've always meticulously maintained my car so I think the comparison was a good one. I certainly am not putting down Zaino. It seems like a good product. Not too expensive, easy to apply and remove. Maybe the only real benefit that I'll see is increased durability against the elements. One very positive thing I can say about Zaino Bros. is the quick turn around on shipment. Even with an out of state check I think I received it in like a week. I'd buy it again but with a silver car it didn't give the results I thought it might. I'll probably put on another coat of Z2 this weekend to see if multiple coats makes a difference.
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    You'll see increased durability and you should notice that it is easier to clean. I asked Sal Zaino what kind of results I should expect on a white car. He was very honest with me and told me that I most likely would not see that "wet look" that is obtained on dark cars, but that I most likely would be pleased with the results I did see. He was right. I'm sold on the ease of use, and the complete lack of "dust" when removing the Z2. At first glance, I thought that it seemed pricey, but I just now have to reorder Z2 after 10 months and 4 applications on my 300M and 1 application on my mother-in-laws 98 Taurus, which is also a light colored car and which is STILL beading water 6 months later - incredible, IMHO.
  • automophileautomophile Member Posts: 780
    Having a white car, I can say that you will notice a further development in the gloss as you put on 2 or 3 layers of Z-2. It is noticeable enough that the dealer asked me what I did to the car when I took it in for service! Also - it has been 3-4 months, and still looks the same. This alone is worth it, as I would be revving up my polisher to re=wax about now.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,196
    The initial application "sounds" like a lot of work...but the subsequent results are very much worth it for Zaino's durability and "glass like" finish.

    My wife has a pearlescent white on her Avalon. It seems to "glow" after a couple of Z2 applications. I can see a regular white car (no metal flake or pealescent coat) to be a little more difficult to discenrn a big difference with reagrds to Zaino. Durability, ease of use and the fact that it doesn't leave any white residue should be mitigating factors, though.

    The difference in shine compared to other waxes comes in the subsequent applications of Z2 or Z5.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • racerx_9racerx_9 Member Posts: 7
    You said you let Z1 dry completely before putting on Z2. Z2 goes on as right after Z1 goes on. How long did you wait between Z1 and Z2
  • pblevinepblevine Member Posts: 858
    Jeffxl: 'Know what you mean. I simply fold that portion over so that it doesn't scratch the surface. And that doesn't seem to take much effort. Some other folks actually cut those bands out of the towels, but I really don't think going that far is necessary.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I have been very pleased with the outcome on my White Odyssey and Silver Accord. Did they shine anymore than with just wax? After just one application on Zaino, not really. But after 3 applications, it is amazing how bright they look and the reflection I get is amazing. The best part is the durability. I always used high quality wax systems, but only got 2 months out of them here in New England. The first Zaino application took the better part of a day per vehicle, but now it is much easier to clean as road tar, bugs, etc just don't stick to the finish. Additional Z2 applications have taken me less than 30 minutes of real work per vehicle. I wash weekly and try to Z6 after every wash, but don't always. I have Z2'd every 3 months and both cars look great.

    I stopped taking great care of my cars since I purchased a house a few years back. I didn't have the time nor the inclination to spend a whole day every two months to clean, glaze and wax. Also, to really get the stuff off the rocker panels and rear bumper required too much work. But since I purchased 2 new cars in 18 months, I decided to try Zaino.

    I recently Z'd my 93 Escort I am trying to sell. I did the complete treatment in less than 4 hours. It came out very nicely.

    I think you will see that Zaino gets better the more you use it.
  • hulagirlhulagirl Member Posts: 39
    Still waiting for my Zaino order to arrive, but I've been looking for towels and found some nice 100% cotton made in the US towels at Costco for a fraction of the dept. store cost. Just thought I'd pass that on...
  • kewldudekewldude Member Posts: 20
    I let the Z1 dry for between one and two hours. I don't have the instructions in front of me but I thought that it said to let it completely dry until you could wipe it off with no residue. Don't get me wrong it worked well. After the clay and Zaino it's as smooth as a baby's butt. I really think it looks better than when I picked it up from the dealership a year and a half ago. I'm going to put a second coat on it in about two hours. I don't need to put Z1 on again right?
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    No, you don't need to Z1 again for about 6 months. BTW, you didn't wipe the Z1 off before the Z2, did you? You don't have to wait for the Z1 to dry to apply the Z2 - you can Z1, then Z2, then let it dry thouroughly, then wipe it off. But you don't wipe off the Z1 first. It doesn't hurt if you let Z1 dry before putting on the Z2 though.
  • kewldudekewldude Member Posts: 20
    No, I put the Z2 over the Z1. Correct me if I'm wrong but the drying time is only important for ease of removal right? It's not as if it can "soak in" to the clear coat like stain on wood right? I would think that the chemicals that constitute Zaino bond to the clear coat on application. I'm no chemist but I can't think of any other situation where a chemical has to dry to see the benefits.
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    Drying is only important for ease of removal.
  • thor8thor8 Member Posts: 303
    Where can I get it and what do I need, What is the clay for?

    Thanks in advance for any information.
  • pjyoungpjyoung Member Posts: 885
    You can only get Zaino either thru the mail or from a local distributor. Go to www.zainobros.com to find an order form, FAQ, photos, etc. The clay is to deep clean the car. I haven't used it, but might in a year or so. The product descriptions on the web site give you a pretty good feel for what it does. Also, even with a personal check, the turnaround on an order is amazingly fast.
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